PLANTEC HOLDINGS staff have been given extensive training in self defence techniques as part of the firm’s on-going commitment to staff security and well-being.
Six staff in the firm’s First Legal Support business completed a BTEC in Self Defence and Breakaway in February. They are required through their jobs to be on the road at all manner of locations around the UK and Plantec Holdings identified the need for training in self defence and breakaway techniques in the interests of personal safety.
The staff on the course learnt how to handle and defend themselves in aggressive situations as well as understanding their legal rights. The breakaway aspect of the course also taught them how to physically get away from threatening behaviour. Self defence and breakaway combined together mean the staff are now more able to avoid or defend themselves if the need ever arises.
First Legal Administrator Andrew Monahan said: “I learnt a great deal, particularly the legislation surrounding lone workers, knowing your rights and what you can and can’t do to defend yourself is essential.”
First Legal Director Andrew Drewary said: “The training, although a very enjoyable exercise on the day for the investigators, continues to show our ongoing commitment to ensure that our staff are properly equipped to deal with the hazards of day to day life while working alone on the road. They now have a recognised BTEC qualification to show they have been legally trained in self defence and breakaway techniques.
“They are potential targets for certain sectors of society. It is satisfying to know that they are now fully aware of the legal implications should they need to defend themselves, as well as being able to look after themselves if the need arises. However, we all hope that this will never be the case.”
Plantec Holdings is one of the larger employers in the Southport area with more than 150-staff on its books. It offers a complete claims management service to insurance brokers and road traffic accident victims and operates one of the largest fleets of motorcycle hire bikes in the country with more than 600 machines.
Plantec Holdings is growing fast and there are ongoing opportunities to join the team at its Bispham Road head quarters in Southport and – for more information visit www.plantecholdings.co.uk website and click on careers.
(First Legal Support's Andrew Monahan pictured displaying self defence technique)